Words From Dr. Whitaker

In the mid-1970s, I spent six months as a staff physician working with Nathan Pritikin at the Longevity Institute in southern California. Patients following his program of a low-fat, high-fiber diet and regular exercise improved remarkably. In fact, I saw something I rarely saw during my medical training—people getting well.

I knew then that I wanted to open a treatment facility that incorporated three things: 1) a therapeutic diet and exercise program; 2) an educational program that instilled the knowledge and enthusiasm patients need to continue their lifestyle changes at home; and 3) nutritional supplements and other safe, effective therapies.

This decision liberated me. It enabled me to work closely with my patients and offer them beneficial treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen, EECP, IV therapies, and targeted nutrients that are ignored by the majority of physicians. It was quite a departure from the office visits and prescription pads of conventional medical practices, but I knew that these three steps were the key to successfully treating disease and facilitating optimal health and well-being.

Most of the chronic health problems people suffer with today—such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke—respond exceptionally well to our treatment protocols. That’s one reason why patients flock to the clinic. They come to California from all over the country for safe, proven therapies that their doctors won’t even look into, much less prescribe.

It’s 30 years now since we opened our doors, and it’s been quite a ride. More than 40,000 patients have participated in our Back to Health Program, and many of them return every year or two for follow-up visits. We are doing exactly what I envisioned back in January 1979, only I never dreamt it would be on such a large scale.

A big celebration is in the works for later this year, but for now, join me in spirit as the Whitaker Wellness Institute celebrates three decades of helping people gain control of their health.